Lachesis was uncharacteristically late to a border call. Most of his time had been spent monitoring the borders—typically in the evenings, when the rest of the pack succumbed to the moon—and the rest was spent at Lilya’s birthing den to ensure she had enough to eat and that the children weren’t tiring her out too much. Sleep, as usual, evaded the ghost most days. It was why, after tending to his mate, he set out for the borders once more. He did not mind the appearance of rain; he was well accustomed to the damp weather. The thunderstorms overhead were a little unsettling, but the coyotes were his main concern now. Especially with his children nearing the age where they’d start wandering beyond the den; testing their limits.

His ears turned in the direction of the call, his brows pinched tight with curiosity as his pace changed. He loped through the trees, his long legs maneuvering through the trees with ease as mud splashed against his underside. It appeared, however, that he was not the first to arrive. His medic had already greeted the young newcomer. Lachesis had caught the tale-end of the yearling’s response—how he was looking for somewhere to stay for a while. The statement did not sit well with Lachesis but it was possible that the youth could be swayed if he was accepted into the pack. For now, he was an outsider; he did not know if he would be suited for Driftwood. Not until he settled within the borders. My name is Lachesis Stark, he greeted, his chin raised slightly and his tail arched over his back to ensure he stood taller than his pale second, and I’m the leader of this pack. Driftwood Surge. I apologize for my delay. His chartreuse gaze swept over the tawny youth as the corners of his mouth pinched tight. There might be a place for you here. But it depends… what can you offer us? We have three cubs to take care of this summer; we need those who are willing to pull their own weight. He would not tolerate a freeloader. 

The boy was young; therefore, filled with potential. It was likely that his wandering paws would get the best of him and he would abandon Driftwood in the future, but there was also a chance that the youth would find a home within the mountain forest. Lachesis just had to make it worth his while. Show him that the Surge was worth making a home out of.

He was quick to answer, explaining that he was a jack of all trades. Knew a bit of this; a bit of that. He appeared well-rounded and eager, which pleased the pale ghost. His last statement was what intrigued the older male the most, earning a raised brow from the stoic leader. … is there something you need particularly? Maybe I could learn and help. It showed initiative. Proved to the Driftwood leader that he wasn’t looking for somewhere to rest for a few weeks before disappearing into the woods once more. Or, at least, he hoped. Lachesis had been too trusting in the past; too lenient. But, he also knew that wolves deserved chances. If he was willing to prove himself then Lachesis was willing to give him the opportunity to do so.

Being able to do anything will definitely help you here, he responded with an amused curl of his lips, his chin tipping softly to one side. Just know, second chances are not given out easily. If you leave, without a word or explanation, you will not be welcomed back. He paused, his expression softening once the stern words left the tip of his cherry tongue. But if you are willing to work and prove yourself there is a place for you in Driftwood. Your tracking and hunting abilities will be useful to both the cubs and the pack—especially with so many coyotes lurking around. It was up to the yearling whether he wanted to take Lachesis up on his offer to join the pack. The ghost had said what was needed. 

His softened expression quickly changed as Cajun explained that he was no stranger to the coyotes. What worried him the most was that the tawny youth spoke of seeing them on the other side of the mountain, which meant Driftwood wasn’t the only pack dealing with the sudden abundance of vermin in the Lore. It caused a dark frown to cut across his pale features and his brows immediately furrowed. It appeared that the coyotes were a bigger issue than he had originally suspected. At least, by adding another to their ranks, they would boost their defences. That was all that mattered to the father—especially with children running around.

Knowing that they're on both sides of the mountain is rather unsettling, he hummed in disapproval, his brow still pinched tight, but there is strength in numbers. I am sure we can deal with the ones that come our way together. He hoped, at least. That was the plan. Consider yourself a member of Driftwood Surge then, he added in response to the youth’s last comment, his expression resuming his former expression as his tail wagged softly behind him. I’m sure Emrys won’t mind giving you a tour; he is our resident medic so he can show you where he keeps his herbs if you require any in the future. If you have any questions you can seek out myself or our Advisor, Anastasia. My mate, Lilya, leads alongside me, but she is currently tending to our current litter so best not pester her with questions unless you have food with you. The last row of words was complimented with a sharp wink before he motioned for the tawny yearling to follow the pale duo into the trees behind them.